Christiane Seidel
Christiane Seidel an American-born (Wichita Falls, Texas) German-Danish actress, stars in the Netflix series, The Queen's Gambit, and plays Helen Deardorff. Current productions in the making for her include Boon, and God’s Time. She appeared in Netflix’s first award winning mini-series, Godless (2017) in which she played Martha. She was also in Fosse/Verdon, a FX Emmy and Golden Globe winning production (2019) and Boardwalk Empire (2014). Christiane played the female lead as an FBI Agent in The Hollow and starred in multiple German productions as well. She is a co-executive and producer for Red Rope Productions based out of New York. A fun fact about Christiane is that she is fluent in English, Danish, and German.
Earrings by Kasha Bali at Flying Solo
Dress by J’amemme at Flying Solo
Cuff by Georgina Jewelry at Flying Solo
Shoes by Schutz
When did you first become involved in acting? When did you realize acting was your passion?
When I was six years old, I started acting in school plays back in Germany. My first play was the Nativity story, and I had nightmares about forgetting my lines. All through high school I acted in plays and went to theatre camps. I simply always wanted to be an actor. After I did The Rocky Horror Picture Show (in German) I knew this was something I needed to pursue. A semester abroad at a film school in Cape Town, South Africa, solidified that.
Who are some famous actors/ actresses you look up to?
My starter list includes Cate Blanchett, Viola Davis, Amy Adams, Judi Dench, Sandra Oh, Joaquín Phoenix, Mark Ruffalo, Kang-ho Song, Christian Bale, Mads Mikkelsen, Chadwick Boseman, and Sam Rockwell.
If you hadn't pursued an acting career, what other career might you have been interested in?
I probably would have become a journalist. I did several internships with German media companies.
What was it like playing Martha in Godless? Do you enjoy acting in a thrilling action series?
I loved Martha, who is such a bad ass! I learned pistol slinging and tons of six-shooter and rifle tricks to the point that my fingers got blistered and bloody.
Left:
Earrings by Erickson Beamon
Dress by Bibhu Mohapatra
Right:
Earrings by Erickson Beamon
Dress by Dur Doux at The Confessional Showroom
Ring by Artgia at Flying Solo
Shoes by Ron Dyce at The Confessional Showroom
The Queen’s Gambit has gained immense popularity over the past couple of months. How has this affected your career? What was your favorite part of working on this mini-series?
My favorite part about The Queen’s Gambit was working with Scott Frank again (I worked with him on Godless). He’s a genius. A close second was shooting it in Germany, where my parents live. Fortunately, my husband and kids traveled with me as well. And naturally the popularity of the show has brought me additional opportunities that I’m grateful for.
How was it working with Steve Buscemi and Michael Shannon on Boardwalk Empire? What have you learned from your years doing the series?
Boardwalk Empire was a gift because the writers continued to develop my role as Sigrid as each seasons progressed. She wasn’t intended to stick around for so long. During that time, I learned so much from Michael, although I didn’t work with Steve, unfortunately. Michael was so present that I just needed to focus on the scene and nothing else. That was the biggest lesson I learned.
Are there any hardships that you faced during your acting career?
The only thing that’s constant is the up and down journey of being an actor. I believe most actors struggle with this. Never knowing when or where your next job will be and if you’ll ever work again. Rejection can be challenging when you’re giving yourself entirely. But staying objective and grounded during those times gives me strength, and my husband and kids are a huge part of that.
Left:
Earrings by Kasha Bali at Flying Solo
Dress by J’amemme at Flying Solo
Cuff by Georgina Jewelry at Flying Solo
Shoes by Schutz
Right:
Earrings + Bracelet by Erickson Beamon
Dress by Elmadawy New York at Flying Solo
Shoes by Karibbein Ann Mariee at The Confessional Showroom
Which character from which series have you played that you feel you embody the most?
There are many parts of Martha that I loved living out fully, like her fearlessness, her uniqueness, her bravery, and she fights for what she wants, unapologetically.
Your biggest roles tend to be in period piece series’ such as Boardwalk Empire, Godless, The Queen’s Gambit and more. How do you prepare for roles set in a different time period? Do you enjoy the interesting costumes and the props that are used to create a setting?
Period pieces have the added benefit of being able to travel in time. Researching is one of my favorite parts of the process, so I learn everything I can find from that time, significant events, political climate, economics, music, art, fashion, religion, architecture, technology, and so on. Of course, the costumes and props are extremely helpful. To walk in shoes from that period or to be bound in a corset will transplant and make you move in a different way almost immediately.
Of all the films and mini-series you have starred in, if you had to pick, which would be your favorite, and why
That’s like having to pick your favorite child. Each is special in its own way. I have endless amounts of appreciation for The Queen’s Gambit and Godless, not only for the independent women I got to play, but the friendships I’ve made from those productions. Boardwalk Empire will always have a special place in my heart because it was the show that gave me a real chance.
Left:
Earrings by Erickson Beamon
Dress by Dur Doux at The Confessional Showroom
Ring by ArteGia at Flying Solo
Shoes by Ron Dyce at The Confessional Showroom
Right:
Earrings by Erickson Beamon
Dress by Bibhu Mohapatra
What hobbies or activities do you like to do during your free time?
Running after my four-year-old twin boys and experiencing the world through their eyes. Besides being a Mom, I love to write, read, and do kundalini yoga.
What is your life motto?
Life is not a race. And be kind and have compassion, because you never know what’s going on with the other person.
Can you connect us with your socials?
@itsmechristiane on IG, FB and Twitter.
CREW CREDITS:
Creative Director: Mike Ruiz
Photographer: Boyz Bieber
Talent: Christiane Seidel
Fashion Stylist: Ayoka Lucas
Hair: Patrice Clonts
Makeup: Tanya Marques
Photography Assistant: Erin Ramon
Fashion Stylist Assistant: Adesuwa Odiase
Tearsheets: Caitriona Moran, Contributor, PhotoBook Magazine
Interview: Destina Marotta, Contributor, PhotoBook Magazine
